Gordon Hayward is No Longer in a Walking Boot… Time to Freak Out
Celtics forward Gordon Hayward did indeed get out of his waking boot today. No guarantee he stays out, depending on how his foot reacts, but he’s hopeful he’s done with it. Said Hayward: “Today has been awesome without the boot.”
— Chris Forsberg (@ESPNForsberg) December 13, 2017
Look who’s out of the boot 👀🙌 pic.twitter.com/3RN5EOOJ0c
— Celtics on NBCSB (@NBCSCeltics) December 13, 2017
Well well well, what do we have here? Just two months after injuring his ankle on opening night, Gordon Hayward has officially ditched the walking boot. I think every Celtics fan collectively got a little green hard-on after seeing that news break today.
The guy must be a superhuman, right? His ankle was backwards just two months ago and now he’s walking on it like nothing happened, it’s crazy to think about. Apparently he’s been making great progress, but there is no word on whether or not he makes a return this season. My money is on yes, but that might be because I’m completely blinded by the green light that is my Celtics fandom.
Realistically though, he could actually come back this season. An expected timetable for his injury is roughly five months, which would have Hayward coming back in late March. That would be plenty of time to test the ankle out for the last couple weeks of the regular season, and then help the C’s make a playoff push. The possibility is definitely there.
The only thing holding him back from coming back this season is himself in my opinion. If he is mentally ready to come back this year, then there’s no question he’ll be back on the court. Danny Ainge and Brad Stevens both would have ruled out the possibility of a comeback this season if it weren’t going to happen. When the time is right, it’s all on Hayward and if he’s ready to come back. It’s what the Celtics have been preaching since he got hurt, and there’s no reason to not believe that until they say otherwise.
One question I have about him returning is how effective he will be. If you were to have your ankle turn the way his did, you would probably be a little scared to do the things you used to be able to do. That includes running, jumping, making cuts, etc. Hayward is going to face an uphill battle mentally, which could limit him if he lets it. I want him back as much as the next guy, and I think he will be back, but I don’t want it to happen if he isn’t ready. This team is built for success more for the future than right now. There’s no reason to rush anything if it isn’t meant to be.
Written By: Nick Cherico (@NickCherico2)